Last Updated on February 28, 2025 by The Official Game Rules Team

Mustachio is a fast-paced card game of strategy, set collection, and a bit of luck! Players compete to grow the most magnificent mustache by collecting matching mustachioed characters while using special action cards to sabotage opponents. With its fun artwork and unpredictable gameplay, Mustachio is a lighthearted game perfect for family game nights or friendly competition.

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How to Llamas Unleashed

Objective

Collect the most mustaches by the end of the game to win!

Setup

Team Up: Form teams of one or two players. Teammates sit opposite each other and cannot communicate except through card play.
Choose Supervillains (Optional): Select any number of Supervillain cards to include in the deck. These cards introduce unique effects that can alter the game.
Shuffle the Deck: Thoroughly mix the deck, including Supervillains if selected.
Deal the Cards: Distribute a specific number of cards to each player, depending on the round number (refer to the rulebook).
Set Up the Bidding Board: Place the bidding board within reach of all players.

Gameplay

Phase 1: Bidding

Secret Bidding: Each team secretly selects a number (typically 1-3) representing the number of tricks they believe they can win.
Reveal Bids: All players simultaneously reveal their bids. Teammates add their bids together to determine their team’s total bid.

Phase 2: Trick Taking

Choose a Lead Player: The player with the highest-valued card of a predetermined suit from deck setup leads the first round. In future rounds, the previous trick’s winner leads.
Playing a Trick: The lead player starts by placing a card face-up on the table.
Following Suit: Each subsequent player must play a card of the same suit if they have one.
Supervillain or Trumping: If a player cannot follow suit, they may play a Supervillain card (if included) or another suit. However, non-matching suits only win if they are of a higher value than the other played cards, including Supervillains.
Winning the Trick: The highest-valued card of the leading suit, or the highest Supervillain card, wins. The winner collects all played cards and adds them to their score pile.

Phase 3: Round Scoring

Compare Bids to Tricks Won: Teams compare the number of tricks they won to their initial bid.
Points for Correct Bids: Teams that win exactly the number of tricks they bid score bonus points (refer to the rulebook).
Points for Excess Tricks: Extra tricks earn additional points.
Penalty for Under-bidding: Teams that win fewer tricks than their bid lose points for each trick they underachieved.

Winning the Game

The game continues for a set number of rounds (typically five). The team with the highest score at the end of the final round wins. Victory is achieved through clever bidding, strategic trick-taking, and a touch of trickery!

Notes & Variations

Nonverbal Communication: While direct talking is not allowed, teammates can use strategic card play to signal their intentions.
Supervillain Strategies: These powerful cards can shift the tide of the game. Use them wisely to gain an advantage or disrupt opponents.
Advanced Rules (Optional): Try variations such as Investigator sheets with special abilities, a health tracker for added intensity, or a hidden traitor mechanic for deception-based play.

So grab your Mustachio deck, form your teams, and prepare for a game filled with strategy, cunning moves, and a dash of chaos!